Sick Sinus Syndrome
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a set of symptoms caused by abnormal
electrical activity in a part of the heart called the sinus node.
What is going on in the body?
A collection of nerves in the
heart form the heart's electrical system. This system is what keeps the heart
beating. A part of this system, called the sinus node, usually generates the
signal that causes the heart to beat. When the sinus node is damaged or doesn't function right, the heart may beat too slowly or even stop beating for a period of time. Irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias, can also occur. Sick sinus syndrome refers to the symptoms seen when the sinus node fails to work properly.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
In most cases,
no cause can be found for sick sinus syndrome. SSS is usually seen in
middle-aged and elderly people. Possible causes of sick sinus syndrome include:
blockages in the heart arteries caused by coronary artery disease
high blood pressure
almost any condition affecting the heart
medications, such as the blood pressure and heart medications atenolol and diltiazem. These medications may "bring out" or worsen this condition in a person who before had few or no symptoms.
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